Psalm 149 is an action-packed psalm where singing and dancing contribute to the joy and beauty of celebrating the Lord.
The language of this psalm, especially in the second part is not about killing and cruelty but about how joy and praise in God gives us the power to overcome our lower nature and self-centred desires and urges. (See Heaven and Hell 229)
The psalm twice mentions the word 'saints'. This should not be confused with the traditional Christian view of saints. In New Christian thought, sainthood refers to a state of mind, not a person. A saint is a servant of the Lord – one who lives out his faith in life doing good. For us, we are also saints when we follow the Lord and acknowledge that everything good comes from Him. (See Apocalypse Revealed 586)
The psalm uses the word 'Let' a number of times in its first section. 'Let' carries with it the wish that something be done and brought about. This encapsulates the Lord's wish for us to know and feel His care and reciprocate in serving Him. (See Divine Providence 316)
To 'sing' means to have an affection for what is true and to be glad that we know that the Lord protects our salvation and eternal life. (See Apocalypse Explained 326) To 'sing a new song' (verse 1) is to maintain this joy in repeated new acclamations so that it is forever renewed. Similarly, dancing represents a complete and whole involvement of our joy for the Lord in our life. (See Apocalypse Explained 700)
Verse 4 contains two lovely expressions about the Lord: He takes pleasure in His people, and He will beautify the humble with salvation. These are spiritual superlatives. The first one reminds us that the Lord truly cares about the world; He is not simply an 'operator'. He takes pleasure. Pleasure brings gladness and greater connection between God and us. (See Arcana Celestia 1755) Moreover, those who are truly humble and do not assert their own self-will will be made beautiful by being saved and brought to heaven. (See Arcana Caelestia 5199)
Verse 5 speaks of the saints singing aloud on their beds. Spiritually, a 'bed' stands for our personal beliefs that support us in our life in the same way a bed supports our body in sleep. (See Arcana Caelestia 10360)
The last four verses detail the adventure our spiritual journey entails. When we choose good over evil, we subdue our adversaries in temptation and they have no power over us as we have joy in the Lord. (Arcana Caelestia 5096)
